Allen West: Mitt to be Powerful GOP Force Behind Scenes

Mitt Romney will work better behind the scenes in helping Republicans capture the White House next year, says former Rep. Allen West, president and CEO of the National Center for Policy Analysis.

"Even though the polls showed him at the top, perhaps he was not getting the major type of response from [donors] and some of his former campaign staff who seem to have gone over to other individuals," West, a Florida Republican, said Friday on "The Steve Malzberg Show" on Newsmax TV.

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"He made a good decision and what he is looking to be as you saw during the 2014 midterm election cycle is senior statesman and someone who can really be a powerful, political influencer."

Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, announced Friday that he would not run a third time for the GOP nomination, which he said belongs to "one of our next generation of Republican leaders, one who may not be as well-known as I am today."

That remark was thought by some to be a cheap shot at former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is considering a run and was considered Romney's chief competition.

"Absolutely, a senior statesman," West said. "You saw him do a lot of great things supporting House and Senate candidates all over the country in the 2014 election cycle. That is a good position for him to be in right now."

Meanwhile, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie is working behind the scenes to woo supporters.

According to NHJournal.com, 15 members of Congress attended a private meeting with Christie on Wednesday morning, during which Christie said he was considering throwing his hat in the ring.